A letter from Jun 23, 2022

Dear FutureMe, It’s late, and as I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone (as I make a regrettable habit of doing every night) I was reminded of this website, and considering i’m still bemoaning the loss of my 8th grade letter meant to be delivered once I graduated high school (lost to the United States postal service since I moved houses between 8th grade and now), I figure I might as well give myself a second chance at receiving wisdom from my younger self. To start off, i’ll remind you of what it was like to be seventeen and freshly graduated. It’s one in the morning and hot as hell in my room— it’s been hot all day, actually. nothing unusual for the Bay Area, though it has been muggy (global warming ?!?). Right now, I’m thinking about how I should wear my retainer, and change my laundry, and pick up my diploma, and check my email to see if I need to pick a move-in date for school next year. I’m incredibly excited for school— to learn, compete, and grow. I wonder what college is going to be like— Will I make deep connections? Will I have time for anything other than studying? Will I be able to keep up? Will I discover my passions? Will I have time to play guitar? I waste a lot of time these days playing guitar, actually (I’m quite proud of my calluses). Of course, I’m secretly holding on to my rockstar dreams. I also spend my days looking for 70’s-esque clothing (hit FIVE separate thrift stores today), wishing I could drive, caring for the plants in my room (though I ****** a couple, oops), updating my music blog (Expansion of Soul) and reading trashy novels. Let’s talk pop culture in the grand ole year of 2022. Trending songs right now include Harry’s House (the whole album, though I admit a few songs sound like ad music) and Lizzo’s About **** Time, though I concede I don’t quite keep up with the charts anymore (I’m in my not like other girls era). My favorite artists are Greta Van Fleet, Fleet Foxes, Mac Demarco, Hozier, and Florence + the Machine. My favorite slang right now is to affirm things with “valid” or “lit” (used ironically, I swear, that’s so 2019), call my friends FAF’s (Fake *** Friend) when they mess with me, or to refer to feet as dogs. The show everyone is talking about is Stranger Things season 4– I’m waiting on the finale right now. My all time favorite show is still Fleabag (a truly iconic show). I’m also debating how I want to do my hair— should I channel the 70s or the 80s? Or should I just cut it all off? How can I get the best look with the least amount of effort? So, what am I like now? What are my goals, and my interests? Right now, I want to focus on getting my bachelors and living it up at Berkeley. Jeez, even saying that I’m going to Cal gives me chills (I know it’s so cringey, but I really am SO excited to go to school). I’m seriously considering PA school, but to be honest, I’m not sure how to get there. I’m sure you’re shaking your head at young me’s hopeful ignorance. But am I on the same path I am setting now? Or am I branching off? Did you ever get to tour the country? Does Dad still point out all the cool VW vans he sees that he thinks would be good for touring/living in? How’s Josh and Elizabeth? Elizabeth, though she sleeps till noon every day, is at least courteous and occasionally interacts with me. Josh, on the other hand… I don’t think we have had a real conversation in years. It’s actually pretty devastating, though I try not to let it get to me. How’s Mom? please don’t tell me you’ve had to sell the cabin. How are you dealing with religion? Right now, the extent of my belief is in the hot priest from Fleabag. Speaking of hot guys, I know that eighth grade me thought I’d lose my virginity in high school (ha ha). But as of right now, I’ve not really pushed my boundaries. Is future me daring, enrapturing, ****? Why do I even ask, of course I am. It’s still me. Anyways. Im excited to get older, to change and grow. I’d like you to know that whatever has happened between my now and your now, the challenges that you have overcome, just know that I’m so incredibly proud of you. Proud of you for being you. No matter what life you’ve chosen, I’m happy if you’re happy. I love you so much, and am so ready to grow into you and all your beautiful complexity. To be who you are is the highest honor. Love Sarah Thursday June 23, 2022